Dan Rivera, paranormal investigator and caretaker of the “possessed” doll Annabelle, died at the age of 54 on Sunday in Pennsylvania, according to the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR), an organization with which he collaborated.
“It’s with deep sadness that Tony, Wade, and I share the sudden passing of our close friend and partner, Dan Rivera. We are heartbroken and still processing this loss,” his colleague Chris Gilloren wrote in a post on the organization’s Facebook page on July 13.
”Dan truly believed in sharing his experiences and educating people on the paranormal. His kindness and passion touched everyone who knew him. Thank you for your support and kind thoughts during this difficult time.”
Rivera was on tour in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania—offering experiences with the famous Raggedy Ann rag doll that was on display at the haunted orphanage in Gettysburg—when he was found dead by his coworkers in his hotel room.
A death report released by Pennsylvania State Police officer Megan Frazer states that Rivera, of Southport, Connecticut, died of natural causes on July 13 at a hotel in Straban Township, Adams County.
“The decedent was discovered in his room by coworkers. Nothing unusual or suspicious was observed at the scene,” the report states. “This case is pending autopsy results.”
Officer Frazer confirmed to The Epoch Times via email that the death report corresponds to Rivera, adding that they cannot release the names of natural deaths in a press release.
Rivera, who was born and raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut, became interested in paranormal phenomena from an early age after witnessing such events in his home.
He was involved in paranormal investigations for more than a decade, according to his profile on the NESPR website.
He was “a vital part of our team for over a decade” and also “a deeply compassionate, loyal, and dedicated friend,” said another statement from the organization.
Paranormal Tours said that the paranormal investigation community has expressed its sadness and shared stories about Rivera’s professionalism and kindness, adding that “some have speculated about the timing of his death, given Annabelle’s notorious reputation, but experts urge caution, reminding the public to avoid sensationalism and respect Rivera’s memory.”
His son, David Rivera, who also confirmed the investigator’s death, remembers his father on a fundraising page on GoFundMe.
“I’m reaching out to you with a heavy heart and a sincere request. I’m raising funds for the funeral expenses of my father Dan Rivera and after-death care for his 4 sons. My dad was a dedicated father and loving husband,” David wrote on the page, in a message accompanied by a collage of photos of his father with his children.
David Rivera said that during his work as a senior paranormal investigator at NESPR, his father “helped countless people out of dark times and brought comfort and a sense of safety to those who needed it.”
“But more importantly, he was my father, a great man who loved deeply and lived fully,” he added.
He recalled that his father, a U.S. Army veteran, was passionate about working on classic cars while listening to classic rock and old-school hip hop, and enjoyed camping and spending time with his family.
“He lit up every room with his smile, kindness and sarcastic witty humor. I was only blessed to spend time with my dad for 25 years and I wasn’t prepared mentally, physically or financially to let him go this young,” he said.
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